Central Trade Unions Express Shock and Grief over the Fatal Accident at NTPC, UchaharDemand Independent Probe and Adequate Compensation for the Victims

The joint meeting of Central Trade Unions held on 4th November 2017 at New Delhi expressed serious shock at the major accident at the Uchahar project of NTPC in Uttar Pradesh on 1st November 2017, killing 33 employees till 3rd November 2017. Hundreds of workers including contract workers have been seriously injured, many of them sustaining more than 70 per cent burns and still battling for life with grave uncertainty.

Central Trade Unions express their deep and heartfelt condolences to the families of all those killed in this serious accident.

Various reports including statements from workers indicate gross negligence of authorities resulting in the explosion of the Boiler. There are reports of snags appearing in the operation of the Boiler compelling the management to operate well below capacity immediately prior to accident. The accident also exposes serious deficit in putting in place safety measures at the workplace to prevent accidents.

The Central Trade Unions demand that high level Inquiry into the accident by independent agency to identify the reasons as well as to fix the responsibility in order to bring the erring personnel to book besides ensuring measures to prevent re-occurrence of such fatal happenings.

The Central Trade Union demand that medical treatment till complete cure of all those injured including the contract workers must be ensured by NTPC; not less than Rs 50 lakh compensation should be paid to the families of all the deceased employees; monetary compensation to those severely injured that has been declared should be enhanced multiple times; employment in permanent roll of the company should be given to a dependent of those deceased and also incapacitated owing to injury, including those among contract workers.

The Central Trade Unions also express solidarity to the entire workforce including the officials on the spot in this trying moment.